By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes against terrorist elements in a series of well-coordinated dawn and night operations, neutralising scores of insurgents, degrading their fighting capacity, and maintaining firm control across key locations in the North-East theatre.
In a daring dawn surprise operation conducted on 28 January 2026, troops of Sector 1 OPHK stormed terrorist hideouts at Bula Dalo, where they engaged the insurgents in intense close-quarter battles. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of over 12 terrorists, while the surviving elements fled in disarray under heavy fire.
Following the successful engagement, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, one PKT anti-aircraft gun, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG), and one multiple grenade launcher, further denying the terrorists critical combat assets.
Buoyed by the success at Bula Dalo, troops of Sector 1 also carried out a deliberate offensive at the Garno terrorist camp, where they further degraded terrorist capabilities by neutralising six additional insurgents. During the operation, several terrorist life-support structures were destroyed, while a large cache of PKT anti-aircraft ammunition and other assorted items were recovered.
In another development, troops of Sector 2 OPHK at Sabon Gari were confronted in the early hours of 29 January 2026 by an audacious ISWAP attack supported by multiple armed drones. Despite the complexity of the assault, the gallant troops stood their ground and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower.
Although the attackers briefly breached a portion of the defensive position, the resilient troops, reinforced by forces from neighbouring locations, swiftly repelled the assault, restored the integrity of the defensive line, and re-established full control of the area.
Sadly, some courageous soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price in the course of defending the location. An excavator and a lowbed truck were also damaged as a result of the armed drone attack.
Confirming the developments in an official statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that exploitation of the areas is ongoing, as troops continue aggressive operations to deny terrorists any freedom of action within the theatre.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their exceptional gallantry, professionalism, and resilience in the face of sustained threats, while urging them to remain vigilant and aggressive in the pursuit of terrorists until lasting peace and stability are fully restored across the North-East.
